Saft Batteries Provide Backup Power For Turkish Electric Locomotives
01 January 2004 15:52
Turkish State Railways (TCDD) is switching to Saft SRM rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries to provide a reliable source of low-maintenance back-up power on 26 of its Toshiba electric locomotives type E43000. The Saft batteries, which are being supplied via the Turkish agent UTO Engineering Ltd, will replace the existing onboard pocket plate batteries.
The SRM design features sintered positive and plastic-bonded negative electrodes (sintered/pbe) which make it up to 20% smaller and lighter than conventional batteries of similar performance, an important consideration in modern rolling stock applications which place a key emphasis on low weight for maximum energy efficiency. In addition it is extremely reliable, it does not suffer the "sudden death" failure that can afflict lead acid batteries, and can provide a long service life of up to 15 years. This extended lifetime exceeds the minimum lifetime required by the UIC 854 R railway specification by more than six times.
The SRM is capable of supplying emergency discharges within a wide temperature range, from -50°C to +70°C, and can tolerate deep, often uncontrolled cycling. It has excellent charging characteristics, reaching over 90% capacity after 5hs, and also resists arid conditions and heavy vibration over long periods without any affect on its operational capability.
A further advantage of the SRM design for TCCD is that the battery will need no special attention between normal rolling stock maintenance examinations. Replenishment with distilled water is only required at two-year intervals, and there is no need to change the electrolyte during the battery's lifetime.
The existing onboard batteries comprised 12 crates of six cells each. This caused TCDD to reduce the charging voltage to 110V. The installation of the new Saft batteries, comprising 82 SRM 105 P cells - in 13 crates of six cells and one crate of four cells - will enable the charging voltage to be re-specified to the original 120V.
The SRM 105 P cells being supplied to TCCD have a 105Ah capacity and feature plastic containers in compact stainless steel crates. SRM cells are available in a capacity range from 46Ah up to 440Ah.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Mass Transit Applications
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